Daily links for the LA Angels including Napoli could be traded to Boston, Wood to play in the Arizona Fall League, Pineiro OK after bullpen session and much more.
The Story: The Red Sox claimed Mike Napoli on waivers and are talking trade with the Angels.
The Monkey Says: The two teams have until this afternoon to complete a deal, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Napoli probably will be traded eventually, but he should be in high demand and the Halos would be well advised to wait until the off-season when they will have more leverage. Plus, I have a hard time believing they would dare do anything to help the Red Sox make the playoffs.
The Story: Mike Scioscia is not offering any clues on who the PTBNL in the Fuentes trade is.
The Monkey Says: The suspense is killing me!
The Story: Fernando Rodney has inherited the closer role early.
The Monkey Says: Frodney is the new closer after Fuentes’ trade, but I have a hard time believing the Angels will be satisfied with him remaining the closer next season as he has been pretty shaky (surprise) this year. That last sentence might be strictly wishful thinking on my part.
The Story: Brandon Wood is going to play winter ball in the Arizona Fall League.
The Monkey Says: For those who don’t know, that league is exclusively reserved for top minor league prospects, not failed minor league prospects. The Halos had asked Wood to play winter ball in the Dominican, but he lives in Arizona, so this sounds like it might be some sort of compromise, although it comes off as being terribly embarrassing for Wood. Him playing in the AFL is like a high school senior being forced to take a 7th grade math class.
The Story: Joel Pineiro felt good after his first bullpen session.
The Monkey Says: He could begin a rehab assignment soon, but the only reason for him to come back at all this season is to try and help the Angels avoid finishing in third place. That last sentence was just as depressing for me to write as it was for you to read.
The Story: Rich Thompson has been activated from the disabled list.
The Monkey Says: Chopper also welcomed his first child to the world, so congratulations are in order. Now, his year would be perfect if Scioscia would give him a real shot to earn a role in the pen this year and next.
The Story: The trial in the death of Nick Adenhart’s death begins this week.
The Monkey Says: As if the Angels needed anything else depressing hanging over their heads this week.